Injuries at work-related social events generally not covered
Some employers host or organize social events for employees, such as holiday parties and summer picnics. If you are injured while attending one of these events, you probably aren’t covered under workers’ compensation law (meaning you can’t get benefits by filing a workers’ comp claim), although it depends on the situation.
The key consideration in determining whether your injury is work related and therefore covered is whether your attendance at the event was mandatory. If your employer required you to go to the party or picnic or other outing, you may be eligible for benefits, which include coverage of medical bills and payment for a portion or your lost wages if you have to take time off work because of the injury. If your employer simply offered the social event as an option, you may be out of luck, in terms of workers’ compensation.
There may be another way to get compensation for your injury, however. If you were hurt because of a dangerous condition on someone’s property – a bar, restaurant, hotel, etc. – then you may want to consider suing the property owner for negligence. This would be a personal injury lawsuit and not a workers’ compensation claim. If the event was hosted at your workplace, there may be a case against your employer as the property owner.
We are workers' compensation attorneys that help people with Illinois work injuries anywhere in IL via our statewide network of attorneys. Contact us and we will answer your questions or find the right lawyer for your situation.
